What kinds of activities would you like to see on the site by way of Challenges, Exercises?  Themes, topics?

- Don

Hi Don -
Here's a couple challenges for thought:
- Take your favorite movie and re-write the ending in 5-7 pages. Of course, it has to be better than the original.
- Write a short based on one of your favorite song lyrics.
- Write a prequel to give a character background or more substance from a favorite film.
- Time travel theme.

~John

The 3 page Quickie Challenge that James ran a few years ago was a lot of fun.

Personally liked the last one, the genre was a challenge for many (myself included)... so more where the genre or other requirements (e.g. silent etc) are genuinely difficult.

In terms of exercises......

NEWBIE SCENES

I may be getting older and crankier, but I am noticing a new trend among newbies. More and more are posting full scripts that are nowhere near ready in terms of format and structure - you open them with the intent of giving comments and just give up after a page or two.

If there was a spot - a thread of something dedicated to Newbie SCENES - i.e., where they just post a scene or a page from a script where we could weigh in with advice. I think that would be helpful to them.  Kind of - what could I do to improve my writing in reasonable bite-size chunks.

Just adding a bit additionally to: Site Survey.

All great feedback, guys, but also think broadly about what you want to see on SS.

It's been so quiet around here lately (Covid, and this past year have packed a wallop) - so challenges, yes, but how often do you want them, what type - Quickie Challenges and tough challenges are good imho, and they keep things humming along... but anything else in general as well? - New threads? Anything else you think could attract Newbs, anything else you think could improve the site in general?

Quoted from eldave1 In terms of exercises...... NEWBIE SCENES I may be getting older and crankier, but I am noticing a new trend among newbies. More and more are posting full scripts that are nowhere near ready in terms of format and structure - you open them with the intent of giving comments and just give up after a page or two. If there was a spot - a thread of something dedicated to Newbie SCENES - i.e., where they just post a scene or a page from a script where we could weigh in with advice. I think that would be helpful to them.  Kind of - what could I do to improve my writing in reasonable bite-size chunks.

Great idea, Dave. I Wonder if it would catch on...

I'm noticing lately that new writers post scripts for feedback, get feedback, but don't (on the whole) come back to respond.

It always happens to an extent, but I was wondering why?
Maybe I'm over thinking it.

I also think, and no offence to Don's existing great work, that the email newsletter could be used to do more to promote the site, challenges, exercises and the like.

Quoted from AnthonyCawood I also think, and no offence to Don's existing great work, that the email newsletter could be used to do more to promote the site, challenges, exercises and the like.

There's an email newsletter?

Quoted from JEStaats There's an email newsletter?

Well, there you go.
I don't remember seeing one in ages either.

Excellent idea, Ant.
Maybe a revamp of same too. Input from members?

Keep the suggestions coming. A Newsletter is only as good as its content.

Quoted from LC Great idea, Dave. I Wonder if it would catch on... I'm noticing lately that new writers post scripts for feedback, get feedback, but don't (on the whole) come back to respond. It always happens to an extent, but I was wondering why? Maybe I'm over thinking it.

I honestly think they do not check that little box that says notify me in my email when someone replies to this topic. If they were coached in that manner, maybe in the thing dedicated to newbies, they would respond more

Quoted from eldave1 I honestly think they do not check that little box that says notify me in my email when someone replies to this topic. If they were coached in that manner, maybe in the thing dedicated to newbies, they would respond more

You mean here?

New member's guide:
https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-cc/m-1124159895/s-0/

I'll add it. Good tip.
Still, would think you'd notice feedback on the thread of your 'just posted script', but worth a reminder for sure..

Maybe Don could set the little box to default to ticked, and allow people to untick it?

Re newsletter, I was thinking (based on some other newsletters)
1) Keep using to announce Challenges, but also announce winners and link to scripts.
2) Have a weekly or monthly digest of site activity,  showcase interesting threads be it articles, interviews, script reviews etc.
3) Share some data, i.e. 23 scripts added, 111 comments made on scripts that sort of thing to show engagement levels.
4) Share member success stories, script sales/options. movies made, other ventures sort of thing.
5) Share interesting links or members websites and the like.

Anyway, that's the sort of thing I thunk of of.

Hi all.

Eldave has raised a good point, re- NEWBIE SCENE. One that's well debated between himself and L.C. Simply Scripts is primarily a script review site. Thus, it will attract newbies to have a "free review". As per L.C comments; I'm noticing lately that new writers post scripts for feedback, get feedback, but don't (on the whole) come back to respond. The reason? Could it be as I mentioned? - free feedback, and thanks but that's all I wanted from your valuable time. So yes, Eldave has a good suggestion- Newbies should be limited to sending a scene or two. And if they come to the party, we will recognise them. If only for so much for their thank you!  

Eldave comments... I honestly think they do not check that little box that says notify me in my email when someone replies to this topic. Hell, I remember when I started screenplay writing and joined this site. I did not need an email message to inform me of anything posted, reviewed, etc. First thing in the morning... I'd open the Simply Scripts site before I'd open my email! These are your true newbie members.

A message to the newbies. Most "oldies" (excuse the pun that's relevant to newbie :-) ) here on this site were just like you. The oldies before them made them who they now are. And they stuck around to pay it forward. We ask the same of you fine young writer's. We will help you to help yourself become a great screenwriter. This site has a lot to offer those that are true to it.

Quoted from BarryJohn Hi all. Eldave has raised a good point, re- NEWBIE SCENE. One that's well debated between himself and L.C. Simply Scripts is primarily a script review site. Thus, it will attract newbies to have a "free review". As per L.C comments; I'm noticing lately that new writers post scripts for feedback, get feedback, but don't (on the whole) come back to respond. The reason? Could it be as I mentioned? - free feedback, and thanks but that's all I wanted from your valuable time. So yes, Eldave has a good suggestion- Newbies should be limited to sending a scene or two. And if they come to the party, we will recognise them. If only for so much for their thank you!

Could a minimum post count be a way for newbies to earn a full script critique?

Quoted from BarryJohn Newbies should be limited to sending a scene or two. And if they come to the party, we will recognise them.

I don't think Dave was suggesting we limit all newbies to only a few scenes. Rather add a new section where they can post a scene or two if they wish too (The WIP section currently requires at least half of a project, rather than scenes)

Newbies should not have walls erected around them from the onset - plus scripts are not posted primarily for review, they are posted primarily for consideration - filmmakers use the site to find scripts to produce which should (and is) open to all.

Quoted from WayneM Could a minimum post count be a way for newbies to earn a full script critique?

I don't think that would work. Everyone here reads and comment on their own free will. Even us mods do our "jobs" for free. ;D. If a minimum of posts were required, would that mean someone has to read and comment on the script? If so, who?

"LIKE" buttons? For scripts and for posts? I dunno, people love hitting a "LIKE" button. And people love getting "LIKES". I'm just thinking in terms of trends -- I've been seeing this option on other screenwriting sites. I don't really care about likes personally, but people love interacting with minimal effort and I think this would encourage more interaction. And even though I love SS and that it's had the same look for as long as I can remember, just having like buttons would somewhat modernize things a bit without changing the site too much.

-- Michael

I second Michael's suggestion.

Everyone likes to be 'liked'. People will become interactive and will try to bring their A-game each time possible. But also keeping in mind that this might gain negative traction since it might turn off some people simply coz of not getting likes rather than learning the skills of screenwriting. Also 'likes' system brings with it the notion of trends, I guess. If people like certain genre or theme more, then it will spark that kind of work rather than exploring. So there's that.  

Quoted from LC You mean here? New member's guide: https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-cc/m-1124159895/s-0/ I'll add it. Good tip. Still, would think you'd notice feedback on the thread of your 'just posted script', but worth a reminder for sure..

Yep - it is explained there pretty clearly. But.....

I would bet that once a Newbie cliicks:

Yes, I am open to feedback on my work on the discussion board.

When they submit their script - they may think they are done.  But it doesn't work that way. When you post a script, you have to go to your script page, open a response box and click the :

Check this to be e-mailed each time someone replies to this topic. box. For examples, in OWCs, if I want to be notified of comments on my script - I have to go through that step I just described,

If there was a way that when you submit a script it said:

Yes, I am open to feedback on my work on the discussion board and want to be  e-mailed each time someone comments -


AND - that triggered the automatic email, I think it would solve the problem.

It is just hard for me to believe that someone goes thru the trouble of posting their script, clicks I want feedback and then doesn't respond to the feedback

Note - I could be entirely wrong

Quoted from Matthew Taylor I don't think Dave was suggesting we limit all newbies to only a few scenes. Rather add a new section where they can post a scene or two if they wish too (The WIP section currently requires at least half of a project, rather than scenes) Newbies should not have walls erected around them from the onset - plus scripts are not posted primarily for review, they are posted primarily for consideration - filmmakers use the site to find scripts to produce which should (and is) open to all.

Yeah - something like that - it's a I'm learning section

Quoted from eldave1 Note - I could be entirely wrong

Nope, you were spot on. I just checked my settings and the only work that I ever checked the 'Notify' box was my very first, almost five years ago. I forgot that it was even an option (yet, thought it should be). My memory is like a sieve anymore so I need prodding for things like that.

As for 'Likes'...I like :D

Quoted from spesh2k "LIKE" buttons? For scripts and for posts? I dunno, people love hitting a "LIKE" button. And people love getting "LIKES". I'm just thinking in terms of trends -- I've been seeing this option on other screenwriting sites. I don't really care about likes personally, but people love interacting with minimal effort and I think this would encourage more interaction. And even though I love SS and that it's had the same look for as long as I can remember, just having like buttons would somewhat modernize things a bit without changing the site too much. -- Michael

LIKE

As an admittedly casual user of the site, I like the challenges that are set regardless of size. I don’t always submit an entry, work sometimes gets in the way and I confess that writing scripts is purely a hobby for me, but fun and it’s always interesting reading what others have done. I can’t comment on what should change but I like the challenges and I’d like to see more of any type.

Nice. Everyone's getting on this with suggestions.
And all are being noted.

I don't personally like 'likes'.
I've been visiting Scriptshadow lately and they run rampant with upvoting, and down voting to a lesser extent.. I found myself using them and then just felt weird hitting that thing, like I'm some kind of robot. Then I wanted to see who upvoted my comment. How quickly we become programmed for approval.

If I've commented on something, positive or negative, (I try to give a balanced view) I think my feelings are obvious. At times I've missed a thumbs up emoji, (like one for a 'Congrats) which is the same thing I suppose, but I'm averse to popularity contests, and unpopularity contests more to the point.

Feedback is enough imho.
I could be wrong of course.
My husband says I'm wrong quite a bit.
Which I frequently down vote.

Quoted from LC I don't personally like 'likes'.

Dislike (I was looking for the thumbs down emoji)  :D

Quoted from eldave1 Yep - it is explained there pretty clearly. But..... I would bet that once a Newbie cliicks: Yes, I am open to feedback on my work on the discussion board. When they submit their script - they may think they are done.  But it doesn't work that way. When you post a script, you have to go to your script page, open a response box and click the : Check this to be e-mailed each time someone replies to this topic. box. For examples, in OWCs, if I want to be notified of comments on my script - I have to go through that step I just described, If there was a way that when you submit a script it said: Yes, I am open to feedback on my work on the discussion board and want to be  e-mailed each time someone comments - AND - that triggered the automatic email, I think it would solve the problem. It is just hard for me to believe that someone goes thru the trouble of posting their script, clicks I want feedback and then doesn't respond to the feedback Note - I could be entirely wrong

Yep, excellent point, Dave.
Hopefully Don can incorporate this in the near future.
It's an important one for generating activity on the boards and for making Newbs feel welcome and keep coming back. And, generating posts on scripts gets Filmmakers interested.

Quoted from JEStaats Dislike (I was looking for the thumbs down emoji)  :D

Haha!

I seem to recall Don tried something like it in the past. Pia might remember?
Maybe it was the star system I'm thinking of...

Quoted from LC Nice. Everyone's getting on this with suggestions. And all are being noted. I don't personally like 'likes'. I've been visiting Scriptshadow lately and they run rampant with upvoting, and down voting to a lesser extent.. I found myself using them and then just felt weird hitting that thing, like I'm some kind of robot. Then I wanted to see who upvoted my comment. How quickly we become programmed for approval. If I've commented on something, positive or negative, (I try to give a balanced view) I think my feelings are obvious. At times I've missed a thumbs up emoji, (like one for a 'Congrats) which is the same thing I suppose, but I'm averse to popularity contests, and unpopularity contests more to the point. Feedback is enough imho. I could be wrong of course. My husband says I'm wrong quite a bit. Which I frequently down vote.

I'm just suggesting it based off of trends on other sites. Even Script Revolution has like options. And not everybody comments, whether it's because they're being shy or lazy. And LIKES make everyone feel good, especially younger writers who may need encouragement. I'm not suggesting dislike options. And star options offer people a chance to downvote. I feel a like button offers a black or white option while comments explore the grey areas in more detail. A LIKE button is simple and wouldn't dramatically change the look of the site that we've all been accustomed and drawn to over the years. It's just an option, a little thing someone can click on. And it offers a feature that is probably the most simple and popular on most social media sites, which attract a lot of traffic -- and that simple feature is one of the draws of those social media sites. It's just a modern thing.

It is a modern thing, Michael, I agree.
I quit the Socials cause they drive me nuts.

Some people live for their 'likes' - a proven adrenaline rush.

I seem to remember some talk of stacking of negative votes in the past too, just because someone didn't get on with the other person on the site I.e., let's down vote this script out of spite.

A 'blank' on the other hand can equate to 'ignore' or 'thumbs down' for some though. All I care about is that it doesn't alienate, or make people feel bad. If there's a way around that, cool.

It's up to Don ultimately.
And if that little addition brings hordes to SS, then great.

It's nice just to see more activity and talk on the site through this discussion alone.

Warren, out of interest can you post the link to James's Quickie challenge?
Would people be into that on a semi-regular basis, like the regular Movie Poet challenges used to be?

Quoted from LC Warren, out of interest can you post the link to James's Quickie challenge? Would people be into that on a semi-regular basis, like the regular Movie Poet challenges used to be?

I sure can...

https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-SSSC2017/

This was great, easy to write, easy to review, not a massive time investment but still keeps your hand in the game.

Quoted from Warren I sure can... https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-SSSC2017/ This was great, easy to write, easy to review, not a massive time investment but still keeps your hand in the game.

Looking back at it now, 2 shorts went on to getting filmed and Cyborn (the QC Writer's Choice) went on to do many great things including being made into a short comic for Hyper Epics.

https://www.hyperepics.com/cyborn

Thanks, mate. Saved me trawling through.

Quick challenges can be good, and I don't recall a lowering of standard of entries for the faster deadline either.

Quoted from LC Thanks, mate. Saved me trawling through. Quick challenges can be good, and I don't recall a lowering of standard of entries for the faster deadline either.

No problem. I remember it being a really good challenge all round.

Oh yeah, that was a great challenge with fantastic entries. Would love to do something like that again.

To me, challenges are incredibly beneficial. They help at every stage of screenwriting, from newbie to veteran, whether it's learning how to tell a story or taking a chance with something you've never tried before. Mostly, they help us be flexible writers and to come up with creative solutions to sometimes very restricting requirements while demanding the same quality we would normally write to.

The more challenges, the better. However, we currently sometimes suffer from burnout when challenges are too close together, not because of the writing but because of the reading. So, I don't think every challenge should require feedback. Maybe some should just be voted on, and anyone who feels compelled to leave feedback may do so. Or vote first and leave feedback after the results are posted. Or, vote first and everyone is encouraged to leave feedback for the top 5, to help get them closer to a polished script ready for production. Whatever the case may be, allow for participation in some challenges without the time demands required to leave feedback.

As for the challenges, I'd love to see some quickies like 3-day, or even 48-hour, or 24-hour. I'd also like to see a One Page Challenge (they have those on the Screenwriters Network discord server). You write one page of a script, and it doesn't have to be a complete story, it could just be one page of a script that hasn't actually been written but meets the criteria.

An example of a One Page Challenge might be to write one page with a character doing an identifiable job but doing something to show an entirely different set of skills, like a cook incorporating kung fu in his cooking (Warriors of Virtue). Or a challenge could be to write page 75 of a script, the "all is lost" moment for a character, and it has to feature a moving vehicle. Or write a Two Page Challenge with two scenes where one character is in both scenes but in one is the authority figure and in the other the submissive figure.

Let's see a mix of casual and competitive challenges, some that are fun little exercises and some that really challenge us as writers.

That's my Canadian two cents.

Quoted from LC It is a modern thing, Michael, I agree. I quit the Socials cause they drive me nuts. Some people live for their 'likes' - a proven adrenaline rush. I seem to remember some talk of stacking of negative votes in the past too, just because someone didn't get on with the other person on the site I.e., let's down vote this script out of spite. A 'blank' on the other hand can equate to 'ignore' or 'thumbs down' for some though. All I care about is that it doesn't alienate, or make people feel bad. If there's a way around that, cool. It's up to Don ultimately. And if that little addition brings hordes to SS, then great. It's nice just to see more activity and talk on the site through this discussion alone. Warren, out of interest can you post the link to James's Quickie challenge? Would people be into that on a semi-regular basis, like the regular Movie Poet challenges used to be?

I think you missed what I said... I'm not for the option of downvoting. I'm just suggesting a LIKE button. Not a DISLIKE button, a star rating, or anything that gives the option of downvoting anything. As for people getting offended by lack of likes, I imagine that they'd be offended even more by lack of responses and would feel less inclined to be involved on the message boards. Perhaps you don't like "LIKES", but social media as a whole and other screenwriting sites, like Script Revolution, have seen immense success and participation because of the very easy option to hit a like button.

I understand not alienating people, but if they don't even get a response PERIOD, how is that better than not getting a like? And, even worse, if the script fucking blows, how is not getting a like any worse than someone telling you that your script needs a lot of work (or essentially, your script sucks). My suggestion is based on current trends and attracting traffic. Scriptshadow, the message board is essentially writers bashing scripts that are posted. But it attracts like 300 comments per script posted or article posted. My script got 300 comments on there based on a negative article. LIKES attract more people. It's not based on my personal preferences, it's just a fact.

Regardless, I will come here. I'm just thinking about what would bring OTHER people here.

I think I got what you were saying, Michael, and I got you weren't advocating down voting. I'm just yapping about stuff.

Hey, if it generates traffic all good. Up to Don, like I said.

It's great to get everyone's suggestions.

Interesting points Rene made about challenges too.

My interests are only in keeping this place thriving.

Quoted from spesh2k Regardless, I will come here. I'm just thinking about what would bring OTHER people here.

We're on exactly the same page.

Some great ideas all around.

Potential stupid idea alert.... I'm wondering if it might be helpful if we have a "safe zone" and a "mosh pit" for script feedback. So, if you're a scared newbie... head to the safe zone. You get gentle feedback. In the mosh pit, it's hardcore, advanced notes with no regard to feelings.

Maybe the safe zone only has notes from "SimplyScripts approved" mentors.

I'm just trying to think of a way to not scare newbies off. The note taking process is a tough thing to learn.

Also, I LOVE the challenges. Nothing has improved my writing more. Nothing has motivated me to write more. But, sometimes the time suck is too much. Maybe we could mix in some challenges where feedback is not required. It's just, write, read, vote. Of course, feedback could be given afterwards... but, it's not required. Not every time. Just occassionally.

I don’t think feedback was ever required on OWC scripts. Reads were, of course. Goes along with voting. But written feedback? I think it’s just assumed that if you read it, then you commented. I could be wrong.

All good suggestions.

I'd like to add that I think a reactive version of the website that scales correctly to the device you are using would help. Whenever I view the site on my android phone I have to swipe and zoom to read most of the content, whereas Script Revolution (for comparison) displays just fine.

Maybe a tidy up as well, removing threads that have little of no activity for over 6 months, as long as they don't contain scripts of course.  

I mainly come here these days for the challenges, so I'm all up for them continuing.

This idea would likely drive Don to drinking, but it would be interesting to have a link to all our scripts we've posted on SS on one page to make it easy for people (producers, perhaps?) to find all our scripts easily -- the search function on this site is not necessarily the most user friendly.  A producer might not necessarily need the type of script he first found of yours, but he likes your writing style and wants to see what else you have and maybe there's something there that floats his or her boat.

The signature section doesn't allow for a lot of links to scripts on this site, and I probably have 20 or so scripts on here.  Maybe more.  And I've found that adding a link to my web site doesn't necessarily draw the interest because it makes you leave the SS site.

I know that would require a lot of data mining and web redesign, but Don asked for our opinions, so I thought I'd shoot for the moon.

Quoted from Gary in Houston This idea would likely drive Don to drinking, but it would be interesting to have a link to all our scripts we've posted on SS on one page to make it easy for people (producers, perhaps?) to find all our scripts easily -- the search function on this site is not necessarily the most user friendly.  A producer might not necessarily need the type of script he first found of yours, but he likes your writing style and wants to see what else you have and maybe there's something there that floats his or her boat.

I think this functionality is already available?

Not sure if I'm missing the point, but if you search by a name it will bring up all your scripts, so a producer could see your collection.

Okay, I retract my previous comment!  

And thanks Warren -- you helped remind me of a bunch of stinkers I wrote!

Quoted from Gary in Houston Okay, I retract my previous comment!   And thanks Warren -- you helped remind me of a bunch of stinkers I wrote!

Ha-ha... always happy to help  :P

Quoted from Gary in Houston Okay, I retract my previous comment!   And thanks Warren -- you helped remind me of a bunch of stinkers I wrote!

In your defence, it does say "ScriptSearch" next to it, could be clearer you can search for writers as well.

Personally, I think the way you have to register for the discussion board is long-winded and off-putting.

If you click on "Register" in the top left you get an error message saying you can't auto-register anymore and contact the system admin, then you click on that and it opens up my email program, I guess you then write some email saying "Please register me?"
Then you are sent a username and password.
Can it not be possible to register through the site and still maintain that the admin has to approve new registrations?
Anyway, that has nothing to do with challenges and such, just think it could put some people off joining the forum

Speaking of, personally, I would have it so if you want to post a script for consideration/review you have to at least register for the site - Dave's idea of setting automatic notifications when someone posts a review on a script only works if the person is actually registered... I wonder how many scripts are posted by unregistered members?

Anyway, I'll shut up now.

Quoted from Warren I think this functionality is already available? Not sure if I'm missing the point, but if you search by a name it will bring up all your scripts, so a producer could see your collection.

I didn't even know that existed! I knew there was a search facility but I thought it searched through the main scripts like Aliens, Jurassic Park etc. Maybe relabelling this or making it more apparent on the site would be useful?

I’d always heard we used to have a chat room. Something like that might be nice in a limited way again — say like a Friday happy hour or something.

I don't understand the fixation on having "newbies" reply to comments about their scripts.

Shouldn't a writer receive feedback in any way that he or she chooses? If a writer wants to reply, great. If not, fine. Absorbing the comment should be enough.

If not responding violates some unwritten rule of courtesy, then perhaps that rule should be made less esoteric.

If you give feedback and would like a reply, I suggest stating that directly in your posts: "Please reply to this comment when you are able." That would clear things up considerably.

If a writer doesn’t reply that’s his/her choice, whatever the reason. However, big waste of time for the person who read it, and I don’t think a simple statement will encourage them to respond.

It’s a chance we take sometimes. I believe it says more about that particular writer than a response would.

That's so wild, I was about to post a comment similar to what Rob just said ^

I think that in OWCs there is a rule about commenting on other entries, but there are already a lot of rules to take in for someone who hasn't seen the challenges grow over time.
In a perfect world, we'd all be completely familiar with the rules and every nuance therein, and of course people wouldn't just join challenges without reading the fine print, but y'know...

SS relies on a "quid-pro-quo-feedback-reply" community, and honestly that's not something I personally understood when I joined. The price of admission should reflect the community's values better.

Honest question, what is stopping someone from creating a new account for every OWC, submitting a script, and running off without having contributed?
As annoying as it might be, what if OWCs required new accounts to post feedback on other un-produced scripts, before joining a challenge or posting a script.
For example, they'd have to provide feedback on seven of the un-produced scripts of the week.
At least then, a newbie might grasp the process a bit better, and understand that this is a site that rewards (thoughtful?) feedback.

If this is the behavior SS wants to cultivate (and I think it is), it should be made abundantly clear to newbies, and maybe there should be a "quest" to enter.





Also, the voting system for OWCs is flawed.

Let's say my entry seems to be around the middle of the pack, I can be dishonest to get a better ranking, and possibly even win. Assuming other people are being honest, I can intentionally rate the best scripts as low as possible, thereby bringing down their average.

It reminds me of the Nash equilibrium problems I did in college. Let's say, if I were honest I would have given the other scripts 4s, but I'm choosing to be dishonest and rating them 1s.

An example of the votes:

Best Script - 5, 5, 1 = 3.67 avg

Better Script - 4, 4, 1 = 3 avg

Slightly Better - 3, 4, 1 = 2.67 avg

My Mediocre script - 2, 3, 4 = 3 avg
(I didn't vote on my own)

By being dishonest I tied for 2nd place, when I really should have gotten 4th. If I had a friend who voted with me, forget about it...
I'm sure this has been pointed out before, just something to consider.

Quoted from MarkRenshaw I didn't even know that existed! I knew there was a search facility but I thought it searched through the main scripts like Aliens, Jurassic Park etc. Maybe relabelling this or making it more apparent on the site would be useful

Lots of hot tips here ( for seasoned members and Newbs alike) -

https://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-cc/m-1124159895/

Quoted from SAC I’d always heard we used to have a chat room. Something like that might be nice in a limited way again — say like a Friday happy hour or something.

All I know is people often used to gather for a Skype chat especially on the eve of OWCs.

Quoted from Rob I don't understand the fixation on having "newbies" reply to comments about their scripts. Shouldn't a writer receive feedback in any way that he or she chooses? If a writer wants to reply, great. If not, fine. Absorbing the comment should be enough. If not responding violates some unwritten rule of courtesy, then perhaps that rule should be made less esoteric. If you give feedback and would like a reply, I suggest stating that directly in your posts: "Please reply to this comment when you are able." That would clear things up considerably.

Of course.  It isn't compulsory.
Not responding doesn't violate any rule.

Of course if you comment and state: I'd love to hear your comments on my feedback, doesn't necessarily mean the writer will make an appearance.

When you post a script and state you're looking for feedback at the outset it kinda implies (least imho) that you're open to discussion. I personally just think it's polite to respond to the person who took time out to post comments. What we often get lately is a few lines stating - I'm happy to give feedback if the writer weighs in - and then, nothing.

We writers might say this because it's time consuming to give solid feedback. And a thankless task and deflating if then there's no acknowledgment to that feedback. And then a cycle of non-reciprocity prevails.

I think personally the purpose of this thread is to work out how we can encourage writers to network more (for want of a better word) with other writers on SS so there's a thriving and ongoing discussion and community.

And also, from my point of view, suss out how many and what types of challenges people want.

Additionally when the site finally does undergo its revamp, update components, for example - most members would like to see it modernised a bit - the Like function request being one popular example.

Quoted from Claudio That's so wild, I was about to post a comment similar to what Rob just said ^ I think that in OWCs there is a rule about commenting on other entries, but there are already a lot of rules to take in for someone who hasn't seen the challenges grow over time. In a perfect world, we'd all be completely familiar with the rules and every nuance therein, and of course people wouldn't just join challenges without reading the fine print, but y'know... SS relies on a "quid-pro-quo-feedback-reply" community, and honestly that's not something I personally understood when I joined. The price of admission should reflect the community's values better. Honest question, what is stopping someone from creating a new account for every OWC, submitting a script, and running off without having contributed? As annoying as it might be, what if OWCs required new accounts to post feedback on other un-produced scripts, before joining a challenge or posting a script. For example, they'd have to provide feedback on seven of the un-produced scripts of the week. At least then, a newbie might grasp the process a bit better, and understand that this is a site that rewards (thoughtful?) feedback. If this is the behavior SS wants to cultivate (and I think it is), it should be made abundantly clear to newbies, and maybe there should be a "quest" to enter. Also, the voting system for OWCs is flawed. Let's say my entry seems to be around the middle of the pack, I can be dishonest to get a better ranking, and possibly even win. Assuming other people are being honest, I can intentionally rate the best scripts as low as possible, thereby bringing down their average. It reminds me of the Nash equilibrium problems I did in college. Let's say, if I were honest I would have given the other scripts 4s, but I'm choosing to be dishonest and rating them 1s. An example of the votes: Best Script - 5, 5, 1 = 3.67 avg Better Script - 4, 4, 1 = 3 avg Slightly Better - 3, 4, 1 = 2.67 avg My Mediocre script - 2, 3, 4 = 3 avg (I didn't vote on my own) By being dishonest I tied for 2nd place, when I really should have gotten 4th. If I had a friend who voted with me, forget about it... I'm sure this has been pointed out before, just something to consider.

All good to know, Claudio.
I think after all these years Don's a wise-up to multiple accounts and vote stacking.

Keep the comments coming!

I know Don's been extra busy with stuff but I'm going to try and collate the main points for him when it looks like most have weighed in here with opinions.

A point of mention... the blind leading the blind- A newbie gets feedback from a newbie... one that thinks he/she is just a great consultant. You have a "one star" giving advice to another "one star" Sure, feedback from a 3+ star is taken accordingly in high value. --A point of pondering?

Quoted from LC And also, from my point of view, suss out how many and what types of challenges people want.

Smaller challenges (up to 5/6 pages) - longer challenges put me off (unless it is a feature challenge)

Challenges that incorporate what people are currently or waiting to work on. More as a motivational challenge rather than an inspiration one. When OWC or feature challenges come along I do get the feeling of "I should really concentrate on what I've already started"

A "Write your feature" challenge could be set up in which deadlines are set for a number of pages, or an act, or whatever and then participants post those up for the others to review/comment/offer advice (and try to motivate each other to hit the deadlines) and obviously return the favour. Then the next deadline is set and we go until our features are finished.
Participants don't need to start from scratch to enter the challenge, enter with whatever script you have and however complete it is... it's not one with a winner or writers choice, the winners are those who complete their feature.... I Think it would help me anyway lol

Quoted from Matthew Taylor Participants don't need to start from scratch to enter the challenge, enter with whatever script you have and however complete it is...

Enter a 1-5 page scene. Brilliant!

Quoted from JEStaats Enter a 1-5 page scene. Brilliant!

I don’t know what this means.

I am terrible at explain things lol.
The challenges here are for writers to create something new from scratch,I would like one to finish something I’ve already started. So at the start of the challenge it doesn’t matter if a writer already has 50 pages or 0 pages written for a feature. The first deadline could be 4 weeks to write and post act 1, then these are read and notes/thoughts given, then move to the next deadline... end goal is for everyone to have that first draft done by the end. I guess more like a structured and organised WIP review swap.
My biggest issue now with writing is motivation, I need a few kicks up the but to get going.

Ah, gotcha. I was thinking the challenge could be to submit a 1-5 page scene from a feature that you're currently working. Title, logline, and a brief summary for context up to the submitted scene.

It works in my head but my head seems to work on a different wavelength than others.

Quoted from JEStaats Ah, gotcha. I was thinking the challenge could be to submit a 1-5 page scene from a feature that you're currently working. Title, logline, and a brief summary for context up to the submitted scene. It works in my head but my head seems to work on a different wavelength than others.

That could work too but probably less in a challenge sense and more in a way of opening up the WIP section and making that bigger and more interactive. Anything really that focuses more on what we are currently working on to garner some thoughts/reviews/encouragement/motivation

I do enjoy the OWC but for me they can act more as a distraction from the features I’m writing. Who knows, I’m just waffling now

Definitely like the in between quickie challenges. Five, three pages max. 48 hr deadline. Stuff like that.

Also I really liked the tournament challenge we had where you went head to head with other writers. Elimination, winner moves on. That was fun and competitive and definitely held interest.

Hmm...

Quoted from LC All I know is people often used to gather for a Skype chat especially on the eve of OWCs.

Maybe SS should have a Discord server for live chats and even voice chats.

Not sure Skype chatting would be beneficial due to time differences to all the SS users worldwide. But in saying that it would helpful to someone like myself who would like to get to know people better who could help me with my writing. And it’s friendly.  

Yeah, a discord would be dope, if the vibe is right